Almost Atkin’s Retreat

I’m considering building a boat that is 97% a Retreat as drawn by William Atkin. I’d like to make three changes, two of which are minor, one might be.

1). Round the turns at the ends rather than angles as they are drawn.
2). Stretch to 20 feet to give more room on the front ‘porch’.
3). Steer from the bow with a wheel rather than the rear with a tiller.

I think 1 and 2 are inconsequential overall though you should feel free to correct me.

So the question is: would #3 put the trim too far out of whack with me and my co-captain sitting forward while underway? Part of me says no, and part says yes. As a percentage of total boat weight, our combined 400# isn’t small, but it is a big barge hull and the cabin weight would be ‘shifted aft’ slightly with the small additional length.

What do you pros think?

Thanks, Jbo

 

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